SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY
2.7.13
INSIDE SPORTS Dominion Domination: Cosby and Midlo wrestlers flex muscles at tournament. Page 6
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Four-legged friends make a big difference BY JODI DEAL Regional Reporter
W
hen Charlotte Underwood of Salisbury laid eyes on Vice President Joe Biden during this year’s Inaugural Parade, he was grinning, laughing and giving her group a big thumbs-up as they marched by. “He just went crazy when he saw us,” Underwood recalled. That could be because Underwood was with a group of about 160 humans and 57 highly trained dogs. The humans were wearing bright yellow jackets and were accompanied by a float with a huge, inflatable canine. Terri Laundon of Midlothian also was in the group, marching on behalf of Canine Companions for Independence. Laundon and Underwood are local puppy-raisers for the organization, which trains Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Lab-Gold-
en mixes to be service or companion animals for people with disabilities. Laundon is raising her 13th puppy for the organization. Puppy-raisers keep the dogs for a year and a half, and do as much as they can to teach them standardized commands and behaviors, and make sure they’re well socialized and comfortable in almost any situation. That’s why the organization works only with very specific breeds of dogs, she explained. Labs, Golden Retrievers and hybrids of the two breeds are known for being very easygoing – they can transition easily from master to master without losing stride. “They don’t attach themselves so much they can’t move on and find someone else to love,” Laundon said. “When we have to let them go, puppy-raisers are a puddle. The puppies are wagging their tails and saying, ‘Oh this looks fun, too!’” DOGS page 2
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Charlotte Underwood of Salisbury and Terri Laundon were among a large group that marched in the Inaugural Parade representing Canine Companions for Independence. Part of their group is shown here.
Beulah Bowl makes math fun BY BEN ORCUTT Special Correspondent
Awards for community involvement
T
he Super Bowl and the Beulah Bowl have a lot in common – they both are highly anticipated and hotly contested. Beulah Elementary School held its seventh annual Beulah Bowl Jan. 24. The math competition was the brainchild of Robin Oglesby, a Title 1 resource teacher at the school. Pupils in the second through fifth grades compete against other classes in their grade. The goal is to be the first one to activate a light and then provide the correct answer to the math problem on a flash card. “Originally I chose the football theme and the Beulah Bowl – the Super Bowl – because dads tend to get a little more involved in football, so I wanted to find something that everybody in the family could get excited about,” Oglesby said. “We’ve done some different things, but the Beulah Bowl gets bigger and bigger every year.” The winning team from each grade gets a Beulah Bowl trophy filled with Skittles. “And they get Beulah
Outstanding Youth nominations sought BY KOREY HUGHES Special Correspondent
C PHOTO BY BEN ORCUTT
Travis Coleman, left, watches as his 7-year-old son Isaac plays a math game with Pvt. Trevor Arbuckle of Ft. Lee during the seventh annual Beulah Bowl at Beulah Elementary School.
Bowl rings, just like the Super Bowl,” Oglesby said. Phyllis Maples’ class took home the trophy this year for the second grade. “It’s really incredible,” she said. “I mean, they love it.” Harmony Pender, a member of Maples’ winning team, said the competition was “a lot of fun” and she was looking forward to eating some
Skittles. Jasyn Ramkirpaul, one of Harmony’s teammates, said “the whole thing” was fun. “It was awesome,” Jasyn’s mother, Sabrina Ramkirpaul, said of both the competition and her son’s ability to provide several correct answers. “It was really awesome to see that he knew as much as he did. He prepared for it. We
practiced at home so he was really excited to play, so he’s glad that he won.” When she was growing up, Ramkirpaul said there wasn’t anything like the Beulah Bowl. “But now they have more creative ways to teach our kids and they remember stuff like this,” she said. MATH page 2
Major expansion project Kicked off for Brandermill Woods
PHOTO BY BEN ORCUTT
Mira Pallotta, executive director of Brandermill Woods, is flanked, from left, by board members N. Leslie “Les” Saunders Jr., Wayne Edmunds, Frasier Brickhouse and Brad Hammer during the Jan. 22 expansion kickoff at the Brandermill Woods clubhouse. SEE STORY PAGE 6
hesterfield County officials support recognizing youngsters who help make the community a better place and will soon spotlight such achievements during the upcoming 2013 Outstanding Youth Awards. The annual awards program is sponsored by the Chesterfield County Department of Youth Planning and Development. This year marks the 30th installment of the annual awards, and the deadline for this year’s nominations is 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29. Kelly Mathis is the youth development specialist for the Department of Youth Planning and Development. Mathis, who is planning this year’s awards, said applications will be reviewed by the Youth Services Citizen Board, which consists of two students from each of the high schools in Chesterfield County and two adults from each district. In order to qualify, nominated youngsters must be Chesterfield County residents. They also must demonstrate excellence in such areas as compassion, courage, leadership and community or school service. “They have to exceed or excel in certain categories,” Mathis said. “They can show it in volunteer work, the impact that they have on their community, or they have to overcome challenges or obstacles or show commitment to a group and courage.” According to Mathis, these students deserve to be recognized because they make important societal contributions. “These are the quiet heroes, but they do exceptional things before or after school or in their church and community,” Mathis said. Nominees must be between the ages of 12 to 18, but adults who are over 18 and have demonstrated for-
titude, mentorship or service while serving youths in Chesterfield County also are eligible for nomination. Mathis said there won’t be an overall winner, but recipients in each grouping will be selected. “There is not a specific one for each grade, but there’s one for each category,” Mathis said. “If we get an exceptional amount of students, it depends on the applicants and what the board wants.” “Every person who gets nominated gets recognized, but a group of 10 of us will score the different categories. So, it really is up to the board.” This year’s Outstanding Youth Awards presentation will be presented at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, at Thomas Dale High School at 3626 W. Hundred Road in Chester. The ceremony will be sponsored by the Department of Youth Planning and Development along with the Midlothian Kiwanis Club. Mathis said each of the nominees will be recognized along with the winners. She also said that anyone can make a nomination. “They come from counselors, coaches, parents, grandparents and pastors,” Mathis said. The event will provide an opportunity to recognize the efforts of local youth that might not otherwise be celebrated. “I think the big thing is that every person will get recognized,” Mathis said. All nominations must be completed online. Residents who do not have Internet access are encouraged to use the free Internet services at their local public libraries to complete their nominations. To nominate a teenager or an adult for consideration, visit www.chesterfield.gov/youthawards For more information about the 2013 Outstanding Youth Awards, call 804796-7100 or e-mail youthservices@chesterfield.gov.
Babies in red to help heart health women’s and children’s services for Virginia, said the babies’ hats were sparking Everyone was talking about the babies plenty of conversation, which is precisely in the nursery at Bon Secours St. Francis what they were supposed to do. That’s Medical Center on Friday. because the babies were the hospital’s Gone were the usual pink- and blue- tiniest participants in Wear Red Day, a striped hats that usually keep the babies’ national event now in its tenth year. little heads warm. In their place were The American Heart Association hand-knit red caps, made with love by sponsors the event, aimed at raising hospital volunteers. awareness of the prevalence of heart Julie Reagan, Bon Secours’ director for disease in women. Part of the month-
BY JODI DEAL
Regional Reporter
long Go Red campaign, Wear Red Day is a long-standing tradition, especially in hospitals, Reagan explained. “Our goal is just to get people talking,” Reagan said. In years past, the hospital has encouraged participation among staff with special prizes for the departments wearing the most red on Feb. 1. When patients or visitors notice red clothes or red caps on babies, that RED page 4
PHOTO BY DOUG BUERLEIN
Baby Ruby is sporting a hand-knit red cap in an effort to raise awareness of women's heart disease risk.
EXPLAIN
2 || FEBRUARY 7, 2013
Puppy raiser Terri Laundon, shown here with puppy Custer, says raising Canine Companions for Independence dogs is a rewarding pursuit.
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Charlotte Underwood, a puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence, is shown here with Pecos, who went on to serve as a comfort dog for children who are victims of abuse or violence.
DOGS from page 1
and zany behavior. It also means lots of tender moments. “I probably am only a local puppy-raiser who has not had a dog pee or poop in a public building,” Underwood said with a laugh. She did, however, have a dog who managed to chew through the titanium tips on hiking boot laces. Not all dogs make it through the canine More than just helpers boot camp that comes after a puppy-raiser’s One of the dogs Underwood raised is living job is through, Laundon pointed out. Her with a paraplegic person, while another works first Canine Companions puppy didn’t make the cut because he had “mysterious quivers.” in a hospital helping comfort children who Thirteen years later, he’s still in good health have been victims of crime or abuse. and continues to live with Laundon. Laundon has sent dogs on to help a deaf Anything that could prevent the dogs from man, to emotionally assist the U.S. Paralympic Sailing Team, and to serve as a companion for being ideal companions in any and every situation will get them cut from the program, a child psychologist. she added. That includes barking, whining or “She works with children with autism. being too easily spooked. Rand helps her by just being there for them And no matter how long Laundon has been to pet and play with and relax with,” Laundon raising puppies, she said she still can’t really tell said. “She told me they will often tell their which ones will make it through the program problems to Rand that they wouldn’t tell to and which won’t. her.” “There are many dogs born to do this work, Laundon has witnessed the emotional no matter what the puppy-raiser does,” Launimpact a Canine Companions for Independence dog can have very close to home. During don said. “There are others that absolutely a puppy visit to an elementary school in Short don’t want this, and no matter how good the raiser is you can’t change that.” Pump several years ago, one of the students It’s like a real child -- no matter how badly became attached to a puppy in training named you want your child to be a doctor, if she is Custer. Teachers were shocked; the boy -- who not interested, she is unlikely to make a good was autistic and almost completely non-verbal -- was talking. His family applied for a Canine physician, Laundon added. “If you raise your kids, you know that your Companion, and, as luck would have it, they job is not to raise them to stay in your house ended up with Custer. forever. It is to raise them to be the best they “People often get a dog because it can help them pick things up or whatever,” Underwood can be and go out into the world,” Laundon said. So, despite the sadness of parting with said. “But I think in the end the biggest thing puppies, the pride helps Underwood and the dog does is give them companionship. Laundon get by. They just don’t feel so alone anymore.” “It’s a year and a half of great experience, and an afternoon of really the pits. You do it Loving, letting go for a higher purpose. Considering how great it is, the bad part is very small.” Puppy-raisers develop precious memories For more information on becoming a with the young dogs they oversee, but must puppy-raiser, getting a Canine Companions maintain the right mindset to handle letting for Independence dog or other ways to help them go. Both Laundon and Underwood the organization, visit cci.org or call 1-800likened it to raising a child. That means bumps, bruises, potty accidents 572-BARK. The organization was chosen to participate in the parade because of its service orientation, according to a White House statement. Traditionally, presidents set a day of service at the outset of a new term, and place an emphasis on efforts to give back to others.
PHOTOS BY BEN ORCUTT
Beulah Elementary School’s seventh annual Beulah Bowl was held on Jan. 24, with Phyllis Maples’ second grade class winning the math competition at that level. Shown are, from left, front row, Bryce Gerrald, Avinwi Mvonifor and Savahna McShane and, back row, Jasyn Ramkirpaul, Eduardo Herrera, Maples, holding the trophy, and Harmony Pender.
MATH from page 1 New to the Beulah Bowl this year was help from some members of the Meadowbrook High School varsity football team and soldiers from Ft. Lee. In addition to the math competition, football players and soldiers joined many of the youngsters in the school’s cafeteria to play math games. Isaac Coleman, a 7-yearold second grader at Beulah Elementary, said math is one of his favorite subjects. He enjoyed playing a math game with Trevor Arbuckle, a 23year-old private from Redkey, Ind., who is a weapons expert stationed at Ft. Lee. “I’ve enjoyed it,” Arbuckle said of teaming up with Isaac. “He’s a bright boy and he really knows his math.” Working with young people like Isaac is rewarding, Arbuckle said. “Well, it brings a great pride to be giving back to the community,” he said. “It brings a joy to a rough day for a military soldier.” Isaac’s father, Travis Coleman, said he thought the exercise was a worthwhile endeavor for his son and an opportunity to bond with someone in the military. “Well, I think it’s great,” Coleman said. “He gets to
Nichole Niemaseck, a fourth grade teacher at Beulah Elementary School, holds flash cards with math problems on them as pupils try to provide the correct answers during the 7th seventh annual Beulah Bowl at Beulah Elementary School.
socialize with the other kids and kind of use his math skills in a different way – have fun with it, make a game of it.” Nichole Niemaseck’s fourth grade class took home the Beulah Bowl trophy for the fourth consecutive year. “They love it,” she said. “They love the competition of it, but they’re good sports.” Neena Randolph, one of Niemaseck’s pupils, said the most fun was “that we won.” During the competition, Neena sported a Super Bowl hat that her father, Jeff Randolph, brought after attending the 30th Super Bowl. Randolph and his wife Shelby said the Beulah Bowl is a good way for children to learn. “Oh, I think it’s a wonderful thing,” he said.
“We’re both college graduates and we focus a lot on math.” He also said that math skills are important for survival in today’s world. Mary Jean Hunt, who is in her 10th year as principal at Beulah Elementary, said the Beulah Bowl brings pupils and parents together. “It’s a great family time,” she said. “I mean, it’s really unbelievable. There are probably 500 people here. It’s the biggest event of the year. What Ms. Oglesby does, she looks at our SOL [Standards of Learning] scores and looks at our strengths and weaknesses and she designs her games on what the children need to be strengthened in. So it really helps with academics.”
Learn music method at ‘Every Child Can!’ Winter Local folks will get the opportunity to learn about the method on Saturday, Feb. earning to play an instrument is a task 9, at the Virginia Harp Center that requires practice Richmond through an introductory course called “Every and dedication, but the Suzuki method of music Child Can!” The class, to be presented instruction, which is the from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., brainchild of the late Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki, will present the philosophy behind the Suzuki method is an approach that involves and how it can be applied to ideas such as constant repeducation. etition, encouragement and Mary Jane D’Arville of parent responsibility.
BY KOREY HUGHES Special Correspondent
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the Virginia Harp Center Richmond said the Suzuki method is based on teaching music much in the same way that language is learned. “The Suzuki method is basically built upon the fact that children can learn music because they can learn to speak,” D’Arville said. “It’s different from other methods, but it’s for any student of music.” The Suzuki approach to music instruction can be used for many different instruments such as the piano, but D’Arville said she is particularly interested in introducing the method to harp players. “I am trying to get the Suzuki training for harp training on this coast,” D’Arville said. “I’m a big believer in the Suzuki method.” In addition to hosting the seminar at its Midlothian location at 14356 Sommerville Court, Virginia Harp Center also will offer the course at its location in Haddonfield, N.J., the next day.
According to D’Arville, the class is for adults and college students who are interested in either learning or teaching the method. “The class is geared towards any musician interested in learning the Suzuki method or working with children,” D’Arville said. “It’s also for parents who are interested in learning the method of learning music.” Delaine Leonard Fedson, a Suzuki harp teacher and a Suzuki Association of the Americas registered teachertrainer, will teach the course. Fedson serves as the harp instructor on the faculties of the University of Texas at Austin and Southwestern University and has taught at workshops in the United States, Canada and Italy. D’Arville said she has sat in on some of Fedson’s harp classes in the past. “She is one of the few harpists who is qualified as a teacher-trainer,” D’Arville said. “As such, she is really in
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demand, and she is a really inspiring Suzuki teacher who is invested in the method.” Although the Suzuki method can’t be completely mastered during a one-day course, the introductory seminar will present principles that will interest people who want to find out more about it. And, as D’Arville explained, the Suzuki method is a way to make learning music easier for children. “You don’t have to be a whiz kid to enjoy learning music,” D’Arville said. The cost of the course is $125 for adults and $75 for currently enrolled college students with student ID (identification). Space, however, is limited for the course. For more information, call the Virginia Harp Center Richmond at 804-378-3761. For more information on the Suzuki method, visit www.suzukiassociation.org.
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hikes on tap Got a case of cabin fever? Why not get out and hit the trails? The Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation is offering three guided nature hikes along Virginia scenic trails in February and March. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 7), join the state park interpreter and county naturalist for a moderate 2.5-mile hike that roams the rolling terrain of Swift Creek Lake. Discover a hidden cemetery and find Split Rock. The fee for this hike is $12. Head to Caledon State Park along the Potomac River from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23. Discover the history of the park and ramble through the mature forest on a 4.5-mile hike. The fee for this hike is $30. Learn more about one of the local parks, Pocahontas State Park, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 7. Enjoy an easy 2.5-mile hike around Beaver Lake, and learn more about the Civilian Conservation Corps and the history of its handiwork in the park. The fee for this hike is $12. All fees include transportation from Rockwood Nature Center. For more information about any of the hikes, call 804-318-8735. To register, call 804748-1623.
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FEBRUARY 7, 2013 || 3
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STUFF TO DO E-mail your event to editor@midlothianexchange.com Subject line: EVENT
VCU Jazz Orchestra will present Concerts for a Cause, directed by Bryan Hooten, at 7:30 p.m. at Salisbury Presbyterian Church at 13621 W. Salisbury Rd. in Midlothian. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit CCHASM-Chesterfield/Colonial Heights Alliance for Social Ministry. For more information, call 804-7945311.
SATURDAY, FEB. 9 Teen Studio: Feel the Beat will be presented from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Meadowdale Library, Bon Air Library and LaPrade Library, respectively. Become immersed in West African drumming in this djembe workshop presented by the Elegba Folklore Society. Learn percussion techniques and explore cultural traditions. Participants in this program must be between the ages of 12 and 16 years old. For more information, visit library.chesterfield.gov. The Virginia Folk Music Association and The McShin Foundation will present the 3rd annual Bluegrass Concert/Benefit from 1 to 8 p.m. at Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church at 2300 Dumbarton Road in Richmond. Tickets are $10 at the door. Live band performances are: l p.m., East of Afton; 1:55 p.m., Copper Ridge; 2:50 p.m., Mill Run; 3:45 p.m., Heavy Duty; 4:40 p.m., Homeward Bound; 5:35 p.m., Old Dogs New Tricks; 6:30 p.m., Willis River. Food, drinks and more will be available. For more information, contact John Shinholser from The McShin Foundation at 804-241-9424, e-mail at johns@mcshin.org or Sigrid Williams, Virginia Folk Music Association at 804-347-2925 or email vafolkmusic@yahoo. com.
Unknown No Longer: A Virginia Slave Name Database will be presented from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Chester Library and Midlothian Library, respectively. This genealogical tool, a project of the Virginia Historical Society, offers a glimpse into 19th century Virginia history. Learn how to find Virginia ancestors. For more information, visit library.chesterfield.gov.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13 Whoop and Holler (Morning Coffee Break program) will be presented from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Bon Air Library, Midlothian Library and Chester Library, respectively. Learn the history of the banjo in this illustrated lecture.
FRIDAY, FEB. 15 Knights of Columbus Annual Lenten Fish Fry will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church at 2700 Dolfield Drive in Richmond. The event is open to the public. The adult menu includes fried catfish or baked salmon, salad, baked potato, hush puppies and a beverage, all for $10. The children’s menu includes a half portion of salmon or catfish, macaroni and cheese, French fries and a beverage, all for $4. Children 5 and under eat free. For more information, contact John Saelens at 804594-3801.
for children aged 4 to 10. For more information, visit library. chesterfield.gov. Storyteller Donna Washington will appear from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at LaPrade Library, Meadowdale Library and Central Library, respectively. The fun, highenergy, participatory storytelling event will celebrate tricksters, tribulations and triumphs. For more information, visit library.chesterfield. gov.
Story Time and Craft with the Virginia Historical Society will be presented from 11 a.m. to noon at the Midlothian Library, Meadowdale Library and Central Library, respectively. Hear “A Sweet Smell of Roses� by Angela Johnson and create a Martin Luther King Jr. hand puppet at the event, which is recommended
Special Correspondent
S
ummer camp can be an invaluable and unforgettable experience for children, and it’s never too early for area parents to start thinking about which camp their youngsters should attend. On Saturday, Feb. 9, an information session for the Spirit of Chesterfield County Junior 4-H Summer Camp will be presented from 10 a.m. to noon at Central Library at 9501 Lori Road in Chesterfield. 2013’s installment of the long-running camp program will take place Monday through Friday, July 1- 5, at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center in Williamsburg. Bethany Eigel is the 4-H extension agent for Chesterfield County. She will present information during Saturday’s session. Fittingly, the theme of this year’s camp festivities is “The Spirit of Chesterfield County.� Eigel said each of the evening programs planned for the week will relate to that theme. “Because we are at Jamestown 4-H Center during the week of July 4th, we want to focus on celebrating our community, citizenship, and the birthday of our country,� Eigel said. “The
kids are the spirit of all that we celebrate as a positive force in our community.� In addition to the evening programs, the camp experience also will include other activities such as educational classes, flag ceremonies, recreation time and swim time. The classes will cover a variety of topics such as archery, fishing, forestry and marine science. “Throughout the week, camp participants will engage in a wide range of activities and programs that are designed to help campers to learn by doing,� Eigel said. “In other words, youth are fully engaged with hands-on activities.� Since the information session is aimed at parents who want to learn more about the week-long program before signing up their children, Eigel will present a general overview of the planned activities and a sample schedule. Parents also will be able to ask questions. In addition to queries about the camp’s cost and scholarship availability, Eigel said she is most often asked about meals, lodging and the level of supervision at the camp during these sessions. In order to qualify for the camp, participants must reach their ninth birthdays between
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Teen Studio: Feel the Beat will be presented from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Meadowdale Library, Bon Air Library and LaPrade Library, respectively. Become immersed in West African drumming in this djembe workshop presented by the Elegba Folklore Society. Learn percussion techniques and explore cultural traditions. Participants in this program must be between the ages of 12 and 16 years old. For more information, visit library.chesterfield.gov.
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THURSDAY, FEB. 19 Whoop and Holler (Morning Coffee Break program) will be presented from 10:30 a.m. to noon on at Bon Air Library, Midlothian Library and Chester Library, respectively. Learn the history of the banjo in this illustrated lecture.
Manakin Episcopal Church’s Lenten Program will be held at 985 Huguenot Trail in Midlothian. Eucharist begins at 6 p.m., followed by a light supper and the program from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. For more information, call 804-794-6401 or the rector, Rev. Michael Stone, at 804-317-5083.
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Spirit of Chesterfield 4-H Summer Camp Explained in upcoming session Saturday BY KOREY HUGHES
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Oct. 1, 2012, and Sept. 30, 2013, and must not have reached their 14th birthday before Oct. 1, 2013. Camp registration will close when all spots are filled or on May 17, whichever comes first. When asked why it’s important for children to participate in 4-H summer camp programs, Eigel said they learn new skills, meet new friends and experience new-found independence. “It is so important for children to have the opportunity to participate in our 4-H summer camp because we focus on the child as a whole by developing social, spiritual, mental, physical and life skills that they can use for the rest of their lives,� Eigel said. “As an organization, 4-H emphasizes experiential learning, and camp is the perfect example of this philosophy.� “For one week, kids are constantly getting their hands into new activities and expanding their understanding of the world around them. It’s an amazing week, and I think so many kids come back from camp with a new view on the world and their place in it.� Space for the information session is limited, and registration is required. To register for the session, call Donna Winfree at 804-7514401.
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Heart Healthy Seminars in February The VCU Medical Center will be offering the following free seminars at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Education and Library Complex, located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue. Registration is required. Free parking available. PLUS, if you come early, you can tour the gardens before the seminar for free.
Call (804) 828-0123 to reserve your spot today. Tuesday, February 12, 2013 | 5:30 p.m.
Low Blood Pressure Low blood pressure, or hypotension, occurs when blood pressure is much lower than usual, resulting in the heart, brain and other parts of the body not getting enough blood. Join Dr. Domenic Sica as he discusses low blood pressure, what causes it and how to treat it.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013 | 5:30 p.m.
You Don’t Need to Die of Heart Disease
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No one lives forever, but you don’t need to die of heart disease. Join Dr. George Vetrovec, from the VCU Pauley Heart Center, as he discusses heart disease, what causes it and what you can do to prevent it.
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Thursday, February 28, 2013 | 5:30 p.m.
Preventing Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation It has long been known that patients who have chronic, persistent, or frequent episodes of atrial ďŹ brillation have an increased risk of stroke. Join Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen, from the VCU Pauley Heart Center, as he talks about an innovative new treatment that can prevent stroke in patients with atrial ďŹ brillation.
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4 || FEBRUARY 7, 2013
NEWS || FEATURES
GUEST COLUMNIST
CRIME REPORT
Super Bowl Sunday: A nation unites and hollers of millions who ordinarily have never Special Correspondent seen a football game. suppose beauty is truly in the eye of the The Super Bowl has become an integral porbeholder. Searching for commentary for tion of our national fabric, and the majority of upcoming columns often involves making Americans will spend the designated Sunday celnews judgments on the spot, and gauging ebrating the greatest of American sporting events. what other people are interested in is sometimes The game embraces everything that makes risky business. us feel good as Americans. There’s an overdose For example, what you may consider earthof patriotism, superb athletes at the top of their shattering is sometimes yesterday’s news to the game and enough comfort food to feed a small public, or events you consider insignificant are nation. sometimes epic in the minds of others. And I suppose it represents a notable shift in As a case in point, I turn to this year’s session American preferences and interests. While politiof the Virginia General Assembly. To me, it’s an cal conventions that decide who will lead the naimportant chapter at a critical time for the state, tion fight to garner one hour a night on television and pending decisions will certainly affect our and Miss America can’t find a sponsor, pre-game lives for years to come. It seems like a big deal Super Bowl begins before noon and runs all day. to me, and the countless reporters who crowd Companies pay millions for time to display the Capitol every January to cover every waking the catchiest of advertisements that most of us minute of the session. will discuss in much more depth than the actual As I listen or watch the proceedings, I often game. Truth is, a recent survey determined most can’t wait to tell my friends about the day’s people who are at this year’s Super Bowl have no deliberations, controversies and personal inter- idea who won last year’s contest. est episodes. But, guess what? They don’t care. There’s plenty to like and dislike about Super Most of them don’t even realize the General As- Bowl Sunday. For some, it’s the height of comsembly is in session, and none of them keep up mercialism and capitalism on steroids. For others, with the day-to-day happenings in downtown it’s a piece of Americana unequaled by any other Richmond. event in the sporting world. It’s not that they don’t care. They all will surely No doubt, it’s a spectacle that has achieved examine the results when the legislators go home, worldwide status, a time for America to come to and they’ll have plenty to say if there’s a controa stop and celebrate the uniqueness of the game versial passage with which they don’t agree. of football, and a nation who values the theory of I suppose my point is that it’s difficult to find TEAM. a subject that interests everyone. It’s even trickier So, whether you enjoyed the game from the picking issues that arouse emotion universally, or comfort of your home, or celebrated with spicy an event that unites us all as a nation . . . except chicken wings and a handful of friends, I hope for the Super Bowl. you had a good Super Bowl Sunday. A nation holds its collective breath as the Let’s face it. There’s nothing else in the world opening kickoff sails through the air to the hoops like it. BY JIM RIDOLPHI
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Jan. 29
11800 block of South Briar Patch Drive Unknown suspect/s broke a rear window. Items were reported stolen from a residence.
Jan. 27 900 block of Walmart Way Unknown suspect/s stole the victim’s wallet from her purse while she was inside a department store.
23120 Jan. 29 5000 block of Kimmeridge Drive Unknown suspect/s broke basement window to enter the residence. Unknown if anything is stolen at this time
23235 Jan. 22 1700 block of Early Settlers Road Unknown suspect/s forced entry through a side window. Items, including firearms were reported stolen.
23236
5900 block of Deerwater Court Known suspect entered the residence through a bedroom window. Items were reported stolen from a residence.
23803 Jan. 15 20800 block of Woodpecker Road Items were reported stolen from a restaurant at Village Commons Shopping Center.
23831 Jan. 23 2500 block of Weir Road Unknown suspect grabbed a money bag and fled the department store. He left in a vehicle. No injuries were reported.
23832 Jan. 15 10300 block of Courthouse Road An unknown suspect called a bomb threat into a high school. 14500 block of Hancock Village Street Suspect stole items from a grocery store.
Jan. 23 800 block of Georgiana Court Unknown suspect/s kicked in front door of apartment. Items were reported stolen.
23237 Jan. 23
7400 block of Southwind Drive The victim reported his vehicle stolen from a parking lot of his residence.
Jan. 17 12800 block of Beach Road The victim reported his scooter stolen after leaving it at the end of a neighbor’s driveway.
23834 Jan. 17 4300 block of Twisted Oak Drive The victim observed an unknown suspect in his shed. The suspect fled on foot. The shed’s lock was broken and there were tool marks on the doors. Items were reported stolen from the residence.
C PHOTO BY DOUG BUERLEIN
Baby Ruby, held by nurse Jennifer Stanley.
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Joy Monopoli Brian French Birgit Weeks Melody Kinser Bruce Wells Cindy Grant
hesterfield County Public Schools is now accepting prekindergarten applications for the upcoming school year. The school district offers a limited number of prekindergarten spots to provide school-readiness skills to eligible children with the greatest need. Prekindergarten is offered in 12 elementary schools: Bellwood, Bensley, Beulah, Chalkley, Marguerite Christian, Davis, Ettrick, Falling Creek, Harrowgate, Hopkins, Providence and Reams Road. Parents may apply immediately by calling 804-279-7357 to make an appointment. Appointments will be available at multiple times and schools. Parents also may apply during any of three open application days scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. on March 12, March 26 and April 9 at the Fulghum Center at 4003 Cogbill Road. Only a limited number of prekindergarten spots are available — applying does not guarantee acceptance. Applications received on or before May 15 will be reviewed equally; prekindergarten is not first-come, first-served. Students who are not initially accepted will be placed on a waiting list, in case a spot opens up during the year. Children who will be 4 by Sept. 30, who show an educational need and who live in the school attendance zone may apply for prekindergarten. There are no exceptions to age and residency requirements. Parents who are not sure which school zone they live in may call 804-318-8743 or go online to mychesterfieldschools.com. Go to the parents section then click “find my school.” So that they can complete a brief screening, children should accompany their parents when applying
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for prekindergarten. A health/ physical form is not required until acceptance into the program. The child’s Social Security number is requested, and these items must be presented when applying: -- A parent’s photo identification (ID). -- The child’s certified original birth certificate. -- Proof of income by providing either two of the most recent pay stubs for all jobs worked by any parent living in the home, a W-2 form for each working parent in the home, a tax form for 2012, a TANF verification letter or form, or a letter from an employer indicating period of employment and salary -- Proof of county residency by providing either a lease for at least one year or deed of a residence or property in Chesterfield County, a contract or lease free of contingencies to occupy a Chesterfield County residence within two months of the date of enrollment, a resident manager’s letter on company letterhead stating that residence is a corporate residence in Chesterfield County, or weekly receipts for temporary residence in a hotel or motel for up to 60 days (requires renewal or evidence of more permanent residency within 60 days of enrollment). For more information, call 804-279-7357, 804-279-7352 or 804-594-1671.
N 3229 Anderson Highway
EXCHANGE EX Publisher Production Manager Market Manager Managing Editor Sports Editor Classifieds
Jan. 24
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY PATRICIA CUENIN
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200 block of Perimeter Drive Suspect stole items from a department store.
Time to apply for Pre-K
Spanish 2 students at Swift Creek Middle School helped their principal, Dr. James C. Frye, celebrate his birthday. The surprise “fiesta de cumpleaños” included music, snack foods and beverages typical of Mexico. Shown are, from left, front row, Jakoby Gohl and Seve Velasco; middle row, Rachel Blake, Kailey White, Emily Bartlett, Dr. Frye, Sarah Jaramillo and Ashland Reasoner; and, back row, Danielle Hensley, Lauren Bailey, Courtney Mason, Victoria Cardona, Sam MacGill and Zumar Smith. Also participating were Zane Gimby and teacher Leah Scherer.
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Jan. 28 9500 block of Shiloh Drive Unknown suspect/s broke the window pane of a rear door, then reached through and unlocked the door. Firearms were reported stolen.
Jan. 23
2500 block of Alcott Road The victim reported that three unknown suspects assaulted him and demanded money. Nothing was reported stolen at this time.
happy birthday
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Jan. 27
Spanish students wish principal
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All data are based on the publicly available Chesterfield County Police Department daily arrest and crime releases and are reported according to Federal Incident Based Reporting rules.
8600 block of Chester Forest Lane Unknown suspect/s attempted to force entry to the residence through several rear windows, but finally made entry by kicking in the rear door. Items were reported stolen.
RED from page 1 gives healthcare professionals an excuse to spread awareness of the number one killer of women. St. Francis also will be projecting a “Go Red For Women” logo, a red dress, on the end of the medical center for the rest of February, Reagan noted. “Everybody who drives by will be wondering what that red dress is about. That’s really cool,” she added. Babies are perfect ambassadors to raise awareness of a women’s health issue, Reagan pointed out. According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 43 million women are affected by heart disease and stroke, and 90 percent of women have at least one risk factor for developing it. Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease and the gap between men and women’s survival continues to widen. Far more prevalent than breast cancer, which kills one in 31 women who die each year, heart disease kills one in three. Learn more at http://www.goredforwomen.org.
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Powhatan, Va 23114 Office: (804) 379-6451 Fax: (804) 379-6215 Mail: PO Box 10 Powhatan, VA 23139
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FEBRUARY 7, 2013 || 5
Civil War, naval history packed into Henricus event
PHOTOS BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
Re-enactors show a glimpse into a soldier’s life. inset: These are items found in a typical camp. Top inset: Personal weapons were never far away. BY BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT Special Correspondent
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econd Lt. Walter Thorn, who served with Company G of the 116th U.S. Colored Troops, recently was remembered at Henricus Historical Park. The Civil War Sesquicentennial event, held on Jan. 19, aimed to provide an overview of the park’s Civil War history, featuring lectures that detailed the Battle of Trent’s Reach and Thorn’s acts, as well as historical interpreters in period clothing providing living history demonstrations. Site tours by boat and van also were available for the “big picture” perspective.
Civil War Hero Thorn received a Medal of Honor on Dec. 8, 1898, for an heroic act performed on Jan. 1, 1865, at the Dutch Gap Canal, located at historic Henricus, an early Virginia settlement.
Gen. B.F. Butler (Union) had engaged a group of his soldiers to dig a canal to shorten the distance up the James River to Richmond. The soldiers also were building signal towers to serve as lookout towers and to send signals among the troops. Butler’s group planned to blow up a huge earthen bulkhead to make way for the canal. Troops believed all soldiers had been cleared from the explosion site, so the fuse was lit. A soldier spoke up and asked whether the picket guard had been removed. When it was answered he hadn’t, Thorn, risking his own life, charged up the bulkhead amid a rain of bullets from the rebels and warned the picket guard, who then escaped. The Dutch Gap canal incident occurred just weeks before the Battle of Trent’s Reach on the James River, which is recognized as a major naval battle near the end of the Civil War.
Life on the Monitor In keeping with the naval theme, Russ Morrison of the Mariner’s Museum lectured on “Life on the Ironclad Monitor.” The Ironclad Monitor was designed by Swedish-American engineer John Ericsson. The Monitor was based on an earlier idea presented to Napoleon II of France in 1854. It was different from traditional warship designs. The vessel was fully steam-
powered with engineering spaces, crew and officer spaces and a galley, which were all below the waterline. It was almost entirely made of iron and was completely armored. A unique feature was the 21½-foot diameter, 9-foottall revolving turret. The turret was mid-ship and contained two 11-inch Dahlgren smoothbore cannons. After enduring many battles in wartime, The Monitor was still afloat when the war ended.
Russ Morrison from the Mariner’s Museum
“Shortly after midnight History-Packed Day Dec. 31, 1862, the Monitor As lecturers provided desank while being towed,” explained Morrison. “Because tailed historical perspective, of the design, once they begin Colonial-style colonists and to take on water, the engine Civil War era soldiers were set quits working, the pumps up around the park, complete stop and all efforts to rid the with tents, gear and gun repvessel of water are only by licas. Visitors also could take a buckets. It’s then a lost cause. leisurely stroll to the bluff and The Monitor had run into a vicious storm while being view the river. A pair of bald eagles circled towed to Beaufort, N.C. The Monitor sank in the storm off the bluff, with one bald eagle of Cape Hatteras. Nature did landing in a tree, enabling local bird watchers to snap phowhat the war couldn’t.” Sections and pieces of the tos. Other speakers included: ironclad have been recovered. John M. Coski, historian and When the turret was raised from beneath the water, two of library director at the Muthe 16 sailors who died when it seum of the Confederacy; Anna Gibson Halloway, Ph. sank were discovered inside. “DNA testing has been D., vice president, Museum done on the recovered sail- Collections and Programs at ors,” Morrison said, “but they The Mariners’ Museum in haven’t been identified. They Newport News; Taft Kiser, archeologist with Cultural will be buried at Arlington.” Chesterfield County’s con- Resources Inc.; Dr. Francis nection to the Monitor is the Ducoin, expert on Civil War battle at Drewry’s Bluff, which Ironclads; and Russ Morrison was fought on May 15, 1862. of the Mariners’ Museum. For more information on the Monitor or the Mariner’s Museum, visit http://monitor.noaa.gov. For more information on Henricus, visit www.Henricus.org.
FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
02/06-02/07
DIY WORD SEARCH
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
HOROSCOPES
58. Pierce with a knife 60. Southeast Asia Treaty Org. 62. Outer garment storage room 66. Genus cuniculus 67. Speak 68. Language, a.k.a. twi 70. Smudge made by soot 71. Amber is one 72. Stand to hold articles 73. Midway between S and SE 74. Satiates 75. One who colors clothes CLUES DOWN 1. Determine the sum of 2. Spoken in the Dali region 3. River in Florence 4. Plant fiber that makes rope 5. Spanning 6. 1978 Turkish massacre 7. Acid causing gout 8. Drops underwater 9. Midway between E and SE 10. Dwarf buffalo 11. Five iron 12. Valuable owned items 16. Small amounts 21. High, green or iced 22. 6th Jewish month
25. Macaws 27. Male parent 28. The king of molecules 29. Golfer Snead 32. Swedish krona 35. Express pleasure 36. Resource-based economy 37. A waterproof raincoat 39. Red China 42. Furnish with help 43. Criminal Records Office 44. ___ de cologne 46. Repeat sound 47. Stonestreet character 48. Baby cats 50. Sleep reveries 51. Ancient calculating device 53. Constitution Hall org. 55. Vipers 57. Plant structure (alt. spelling) 58. Gymnopedis composer Erik 59. A slab of lumber 61. Modern London gallery 63. Kiln 64. All right 65. Ceremonial staff of authority 67. Many not ands 69. Norwegian money (abbr.)
CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, your mind may be churning, but worrying excessively over something will not help the situation. Therefore, focus on something else for a while.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, a risk you take this week will pay off in a big way. You might be anxious to take a significant risk, but the eventual reward will be well worth it.
TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, sometimes the things that are the hardest to come by are the ones that are most worth the effort. Think about this as you face obstacles.
LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, just when you think the week will go on without any excitement, something pops up and it’s just what you need to beat the doldrums. Expect time with friends.
SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, it may be challenging to find some initial support for a new idea because you are essentially charting new territory. Just give it time and people will come around.
GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, contrary to what you believe, things at work will go on even if you take a few days off for a vacation. There may be some catching up afterward, but you can handle it.
VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, sometimes you need to be tough on yourself to get things done, but you will be satisfied with the results when you push yourself. Focus on goals this week.
SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Slow down a little, Sagittarius. Moving faster will not get the job done to your satisfaction and then you only will have to do it all over again. Think through your options.
CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, shift your focus to your family for the next few days because you have to make some decisions that will affect them all. Listen to your gut feeling when making these decisions. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, there are some things around the house that need your attention, but you may be having trouble finding the motivation to tackle them just now. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, when an opportunity comes your way, you may want to take a pass because something better is on the horizon.
THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS
CLUES ACROSS 1. Sleeveless Arab garments 5. Make somebody laugh 10. Doctors’ group 13. Afghan Persian language 14. Indian dresses 15. Publisher Conde 17. Loud noises 18. Threefold 19. 6489 Ft. Greek mountain 20. Holds outerwear 22. Expressed pleasure 23. Hawaiian floral garlands 24. Unhappy 26. Belonging to a thing 27. Tooth caregiver (abbr.) 30. A public promotion 31. Levels to the ground (alt. spelling) 33. Nursing group 34. Set aside for a purpose 38. Slightly wet 40. One of #1 across 41. Any competition 45. Verify 49. Lyricist Gershwin 50. Bangladesh capital before 1982 52. Potato state 54. “Weighing Gold” artist Gerard 55. Australian Racing Board 56. Type of health insurance
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, there are a few things you need to work out this week, but then you will be set for quite a while. Take the opportunity to recharge your batteries.
6 || FEBRUARY 7, 2013
EXPLAIN
NEWS || FEATURES
MIDLOTHIANEXCHANGE.COM
Brandermill Woods expansion project “Not only are we doing that but we are building a ore apartnew wellness center with ments, plenty a swimming pool, theater, of recreation fitness center, arts and crafts and well[and] library,” she said. ness space and more are “We’re expanding our curin the works for Branderrent dining venue. We’ll have mill Woods, a retirement a display kitchen and, then, in community that features addition to that, we’ll make a independent living, assisted new formal dining room so living and both short-term we’ll have another venue. and long-term skilled nurs“Over in our health care ing care. side, we are renovating our Folks associated with nursing home beds. Right Brandermill Woods gathered now they are semi-private at the community’s cluband they will be turned into house on Jan. 22 to offishared semi-privates and pricially kick off the $55 million vates with a bath and we’re expansion project, which will looking to add an additional add living space and give a 22 rehab beds for short-term facelift to existing facilities stay.” in the nearly 27-year-old The clubhouse also will complex. get a facelift, Willmarth said. According to Amy Willmarth, Brandermill Woods’ Amenities and sales and marketing director, practicality the complex currently has 131 cottages and 66 apartAlthough the kickoff just ments for independent living. took place, plans have been in Thirteen of those cottages the works for months. Mike will be removed to make way Martin, managing partner for for a new addition that will RLPS Architects of Lancaster, include 93 new apartments Pa., said his firm has been for independent residents. working on the expansion Among those will be simple plan for about 18 months. one-bedroom units, one“And, if all goes well, some bedroom units with dens, of the projects will be starting standard two-bedroom units the end of this year and some and two-bedroom deluxe may be starting a little bit units, she noted. into 2014,” Martin said, addAccording to a rate sheet, ing that his focus is designing the monthly rental fees will communities for seniors. range from about $3,300 to “We always say it’s not the $5,000. Residents must be at one or two good ideas, but least 65 to rent an indepenit’s the thousands of ideas dent-living unit, Willmarth – like countertop heights and added. pull-out drawers, things that
BY BEN ORCUTT
Special Correspondent
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allow seniors to age in place,” he said. “The things like toilet seat heights. Little tiny things, the details -- all the details that go into making a successful seniors project that really sets it apart from say a normal apartment, a stand-alone apartment for just about anybody of any age. The challenge is that
Mrs. Cale said it will take her about two years to clean out their house, so the timing of the expansion project suits their needs. New residents “Well, we’ve seen this place While the new units aren’t when it was first built and built yet, they’re getting we looked at the apartments attention from prospective at that time and decided if residents. we ever came here we would Myron Cale, 86, and his go into the apartments as wife, Dolores, 84, attended the opposed to the cottages and expansion kickoff and said the time has come,” she said. they were proud that they are “We’re a bit old to be doing Mike Martin, managing partner for the first to sign a pre-lease this and then just made up RLPS Architects of Lancaster, Pa. agreement for one of the new our minds that we have to apartments. do it.” The Cales, who live in For more information Brandermill, said making about pre-leasing one of the ... The challenge is that we need the decision to move into an new independent-living units apartment is the prudent thing at Brandermill Woods, call to make sure that they’re not only for them to do. 804-744-0141. good looking and attractive, they “Not having to maintain also have to be functional so we Below: Dolores Cale, left, that huge home – downsiz84, and her husband, Myron ing,” Cale said. “We have many, need to make sure a senior can Cale, 86, were recognized at many friends here at Branderuse them as well. the Jan. 22 expansion kickoff mill Woods. We made a point for Brandermill Woods as of doing that [being the first the first to sign a pre-lease to sign a pre-lease agreement]. agreement for one of the new apartments that will be built. We wanted to get the apartwe need to make sure that “The one thing about us ment that we they’re not only good looking is we’re rental,” she said. “The and attractive, they also have rental market has not had a lot wanted.” to be functional so we need of these amenities afforded to to make sure a senior can use them and now we’re in a stronthem as well.” ger position because people Mira Pallotta, who has been are choosing not to invest the executive director of Brander- money. They are chiefly commill Woods for 23 years, said ing for a rental product and the expansion project will be a it’s definitely boosting our real boost. occupancy. The country “Oh, I think it’s going to club is a nice asset because be huge,” she said. “Probably all of them have memberthe best piece that I happen ship to the country club. to personally like the best So they’ve got the best happens to be the renovaof all worlds here. They tion of our health care facility really do. I’m moving in – private bath, private rooms one day.” – something we’ve needed for Brandermill Woods quite some time and smaller home-like environment. So I think that and also offering a bigger wellness piece here that we’ve been missing. A lot of communities offer that and we have not had that.” BB&T is selling the bonds to finance the expansion project, which will be state-of-theart, Pallotta said.
is owned by Senior Living Choices and managed by a four-member board of directors.
OVERHEARD
PHOTO BY BEN ORCUTT
Bluegrass concert
Firehouse Subs makes big donation to Amelia Benefits local nonprofit organizations fire department Foundation helps them with that.” BY KOREY HUGHES Special Correspondent
BY JODI DEAL Regional Reporter
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hanks to a major donation, the Amelia County Volunteer Fire Department now owns a Phillips MRX HeartStart Monitor advanced life support system worth more than $22,300. The donation came from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Representatives of Firehouse Subs and the restaurant chain’s public safety foundation met with Amelia firefighters at Firehouse’s Midlothian location on Jan. 23 to present the equipment. The HeartStart Monitor, which the fire department could not otherwise have afforded due to budget constraints, will help first responders provide life-saving assistance should a citizen go into cardiac arrest. On hand for the presentation were Firehouse franchisee Andrea Melton, area representative Mike and Chris Pietrzyk and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation development
manager Meghan Bender. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, founded in 2005, aims to provide funding, equipment and training to first-responders. Through the nonprofit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs has given $5.7 million to hometown heroes in 36 states and Puerto Rico, including more than $293,100 in Virginia. Each restaurant recycles leftover five-gallon pickle buckets and sells them to guests for $2. Donation canisters on register counters explain the nonprofit’s mission and collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar. All funds raised benefit the Foundation. Firehouse Subs is donating $1 to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for every photo of a pickle bucket posted to Instagram, the Firehouse Subs Facebook page, Twitter, or Pinterest with #BucketsSaveLives until Sunday, Feb. 10.
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luegrass musicians from across the state are warming up to lend their banjo picking, fiddle licking and bass slapping talents to raise money for two local nonprofit organizations. The Virginia Folk Music Association will host the 3rd annual Bluegrass Benefit Concert from 1 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, at Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church at 2300 Dumbarton Road in Richmond. Sigrid Williams, president of the Midlothian-based Virginia Folk Music Association, who noted that the high-spirited music has an avid fan base, attempted to explain what makes the genre special. “Well, bluegrass is music that comes from the hearts of country folk, and it has grown so much that this heartfelt music has caught on with everybody,” Williams said. “In other words, it’s grassroots music.” The McShin Foundation and the Virginia Folk Music Association, both nonprofits, will benefit from the concert. The McShin Foundation is a Richmond-based charity that helps recovering substance abusers to get a fresh start. “The McShin Foundation sponsors and operates seven recovery houses for folks who have been addicted to illegal substances,” Williams said. “They need to have a place to live and a place to go for encouragement, and the McShin
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According to Williams, John Shinholser, the director of the McShin Foundation, originally came up with the idea for the Bluegrass Benefit Concert. “John also goes nationwide and abroad to help start up similar homes in other places,” Williams said. “But, he to local bluegrass music fans, Williams wanted to do a concert to benefit the thinks. foundation, and he called to ask if I “It’s just fun music,” Williams said. would help to put together the bands.” Tickets for the Bluegrass Benefit Concert are $10 at the door. For more Lineup information about the show, call 804347-2925 or visit www.vafolkmusic. The event will be packed with Virginia-based acts that will play through- org. For more information about the McShin Foundation, visit www.mcshin. out the day. Here’s the schedule: org. East of Afton, 1 p.m. Copper Ridge, 1:55 p.m. Mill Run, 2:50 p.m. Heavy Duty, 3:45 p.m. Homeward Bound, 4:40 p.m. Old Dogs New Tricks, 5:35 p.m. Willis River, 6:30 p.m. With the exception of Homeward Bound, which Williams said is a Southern gospel group, all bands will perform bluegrass music. Williams noted that the bands are donating their talents for the evening, so proceeds will go directly to the nonprofits. Many groups are likely to have copies of their CDs for sale during the show, he added. The low admission price and the sheer number of musicians involved are likely to make Saturday’s concert appeal
“The audience and the pickers vary from month to month,” Williams said. “But, the church is wonderful for letting us come in and for making its rooms available to the pickers.” “We never know how many people will show up, but it is open to the public. Just show up and join in.”
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The Virginia Folk Music Association also hosts a jam from 7 to 10 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at Brandermill Church at 4500 Millridge Parkway in Midlothian. Williams said the monthly event is an informal meet-up where musicians can play together. The performance is open to the public.
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YOUR WORLD || TRAVEL
FEBRUARY 7, 2013 || 7
Henricus Historical Park Hosts historical and conservation boat tours BY KOREY HUGHES Special Correspondent
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he James River is the Central Virginia region’s most prominent waterway, but many local residents haven’t experienced its intricacies up-close. Henricus Historical Park, which is located at 251 Henricus Park Road in Chester, provides a particularly breathtaking vantage point from which to view the tributary. And, throughout 2013, the park will host its Historical and Conservation Boat Tours that will teach attendees about events that happened along the river’s banks. Capt. Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, an established provider of eco-tours and fishing trips, will pilot the Discovery II, a covered 24-foot pontoon boat, during the excursions. Each of the boat tours will depart from the floating dock at Henricus, and Margaret Carlini, education supervisor for Henricus Historical Park, said the trips last about 45 minutes and cover four to five miles round-trip. “Tours include a scenic route downriver in the main channel, passing beneath the I-295 Varina-Enon Bridge, to the Jones Neck Cut and back,” Carlini said. “Occasionally, the boat heads north upriver for a short distance into the old river channel towards Fort Brady.” The historical information that Ostrander will share is one of the trip’s highlights. As Carlini explained, happenings at Dutch Gap and Henricus will be mentioned. “Near the bluff at Henricus, we discuss the early colonial period and why the English would have chosen this site for a new settlement,” Carlini said. “Virginia Indian history is discussed as the boat moves past freshwater creeks that cut through the high bluffs.” “We also cover Civil War history, specifically when Gen. Benjamin Butler in 1864
began to cut a canal in the river to shorten the traveling distance to Richmond. Other points of interest are the Aiken’s house and landing ruins and remnants from a Civil War-era pontoon bridge.” Local wildlife will be the other main draw, which will appeal to nature enthusiasts. Among others, birds such as bald eagles, great blue heron, hawks and wild turkey and mammals such as deer and foxes can be seen at times along the James River. And, sturgeon is a fish species that may appear during the tours later this year. “From late August through October, the Atlantic sturgeon return to the James River and may be seen leaping out of the water,” Carlini said. “Although normally 5 to 7 feet long, some sturgeon can reach up to 9 or 10 feet in length.” Children under age 5, however, are not allowed to participate in the general tours, although Carlini said that families with children under age 5 may book private tours. “Tour content is geared towards families with older children and their parents or grandparents,” Carlini said. According to Carlini, the Historical and Conservation Boat Tours are enjoyable experiences for families and for history and nature fans alike. “Families are encouraged to step back in time and explore history while watching indigenous birds, fish and animals,” Carlini said. “The excursions are perfect for history and nature enthusiasts, and those who like to listen, see or touch while learning.” A maximum of six people may participate in each tour, which costs $25 per person, and boat tour fees include admission to the site. Space for the boat tours is extremely limited, and registration is strongly recommended. To register for the tours, call 804-3188728. For more information about Henricus Historical Park, visit www.henricus.org.
Tours will take place at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. on each of the days below: Sat., March 2, History and Nature Tour Sun., April 7, History and Nature Tour. Sat., May 4, History and Nature Tour Sun., June 2, History and Nature Tour. Sat., July 6, History and Nature Tour Sun., July 7, History and Nature Tour. Sat., Aug. 3, History and Nature Tour Sun., Aug. 4, History and Nature Tour. Sat., Sept. 7, History and Nature Tour Sat., Oct. 5, History and Nature Tour Sat., Nov. 2, Powhatan People Tour* Sat., Dec. 7, Colonial Christmas Tour* *Indicates that the boat tour takes place on the same day as a special event at Henricus.
Sweet trip to Norfolk
Souders makes All-District band
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Josh Souders represented Swift Creek Middle School at an All-District Band event Jan. 25 and 26. Souders, a French horn and trumpet student, auditioned in December for a seat in the band and won eighth chair French horn. At the All-District event, he joined more than 300 other students from area middle and high schools to form three different bands. All-District students learned new music together over the two-day event, which culminated in a concert on Jan. 26 at Manchester High School. Information provided by Swift Creek Middle School.
and chocolate beer and wine tastings. The trip is for seniors aged 50 and older. The $109 fee includes transportation, all admissions and guided tours, lunch, taxes and gratuities. The pickup locations will be the Target in Chester and Chippenham Hospital. Those planning to participate must register by Wednesday, Feb. 20. For more information, call 804-751-4135. To register by phone, call 804-748-1623 and mention course 26583. Note: To tour the Norfolk Naval Station, attendees must have photo identification with them during the tour.
Winning either way Casino night benefits charities BY BEN ORCUTT Special Correspondent
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he third annual Kiwanis Club of Chesterfield’s Diamonds ‘N Dice Casino Night provided attendees with good food, good spirits and a fun way to raise money for charity. The event was held on Jan. 26 at the Positive Vibe Café in the Stratford Hills Shopping Center. “The evening will benefit Positive Vibe Café, the Miracle League of Richmond and some of the other groups that the Chesterfield Kiwanis helps out,” club president Shawn Smith said. The Miracle League of Richmond helps to provide recreational activities for children with special needs, according to its website, http:// www.miracleleagueofrichmond.com/. George Baker, manager of the Positive Vibe Café, said the café trains “people with disabilities to provide meaningful employment in their future.” He said, the café, which has about 25 employees, is grateful to be one of the beneficiaries of Casino night and proud to host the event. “I think it’s great,” he added. Admission to the event was $100 per person and participants had the opportunity to compete at gaming tables, win door prizes, and make bids in a silent auction, Smith said. “So we try and provide a great opportunity [for] folks to come out and give to great causes and to have a nice, fun evening,” he said. “The way we make money at this event is obviously through our silent auction items, through people paying for additional door prize tickets, for people trying to win the wheelbarrow of fun and the diamond earrings – trying to win the diamonds.” “Last year we donated $2,500 to both Positive Vibe Café and to the Miracle League of Richmond. Our goal is to at least give them the same amount for this year and we’re hopefully going to be giving them more,” Smith added. Smith said about 60 people signed up to attend the event, which was put on by Massino’s Cassinos of Mechanicsville. Owner Joe Massino, who is known as “Mr. Casino,” said he’s been in the casino fundraising business for more than 30 years and was the first to establish such charitable events in Virginia. For an evening, participants got a feel for what it would be like to play Craps, Roulette, Blackjack and Texas Hold ’em in an authentic Las Vegas-style setting, he said. “It’s the number one form of entertainment by meeting planners in this country today,” Massino said. “It has been for the past 19 years
PHOTO BY BEN ORCUTT
Eileen Bedell, left, and her husband Colin, who live in Bon Air, enjoy a turn at the Blackjack table.
running. I’m not in Vegas, but it’s pretty close.” He said his company helps to raise more than $1 million annually for charity. Judi Gaughran of Chesterfield attended Casino Night and tried her hand at the Roulette wheel. “I don’t know how to play anything, but, if this does work, it is probably the most simple thing I could do,” she said. “I can pick a number and I can put something on here and maybe win.” “I think it’s awesome,” Gaughran said of Casino Night, adding that her 23-year-old special needs daughter Chelsea works at the Positive Vibe Café busing tables. “She’s been here since she graduated from high school and it has given her a great life,” Gaughran said. “ It’s wonderful. It really is.” Eileen Bedell and her husband Colin of Bon Air have sponsored a table at Casino Night for the past two years. “The food is amazing,” Mrs. Bedell said. “The Miracle League is an unbelievable organization to support, and, of course, the stuff on the tables is just so much fun and you don’t get to do this in Richmond very often.” “I enjoy having an excuse to get dressed up, come out with my lovely wife and get all my money taken away,” said her husband, who also said it was good knowing that the money goes to worthy causes. Jim Kauffman has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Chesterfield since 1964. “I’m the resident old-timer,” he said during a break in the action at one of the Blackjack tables. Kauffman said events like Casino Night that the club sponsors are part of its mission. “Well, the club gives back to the community for so many things that we’re thankful for -- like working with special needs children and other worthwhile projects,” he said.
2896001-01
he Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation is offering a trip to the Virginia Chocolate Festival in Norfolk from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. The day begins with a guided tour of the Norfolk Naval Station, home port to more than 100 ships of the Atlantic Fleet. Enjoy lunch at the Freemason Abbey restaurant in downtown Norfolk before heading to the Virginia Chocolate Festival at the Norfolk Scope. Sample chocolate in every form, from around the world, along with cooking demonstrations, entertainment,
PHOTO BY BEN ORCUTT
Shawn Smith, left, president of the Kiwanis Club of Chesterfield; George Baker, manager of the Positive Vibe Café; Joe Massino, owner of Massino’s Cassinos of Mechanicsville; and Charlie Adams, past governor of the Capital District of Kiwanis and a member of the Chesterfield club; enjoy the Kiwanis Club of Chesterfield’s Diamonds ‘N Dice Casino Night at the Positive Vibe Café.
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Master of the mats Trojans’ Ronnau readies for state put it all together, put it all to the test.” It is well documented Few wrestlers can stand that the son of Victoria and up to Jerry Ronnau. Even Bub Ronnau is a three-time the wrestling record book Dominion District champ, went down without much of twice a Central Region runa fight. ner-up and sixth at States in Ronnau (pronounced 2012. Ronno) is master of the mats Also recorded for posterat Midlothian High School. ity is that the Virginia Tech Dubbed “Ronnau the bound grappler had 144 Ryno,” he holds Trojans victories heading into this records for most career week’s Regional – most ever takedowns and victories … by a Man of Troy. and being a bit greedy, he The old mark of 123 was hungers for more. set a year ago by Omar How“I want to be the champ ard, now on football roster – state champ,” said Ronnau, at University of Richmond. his blues twinkling at the So much for Ronnau’s giddy notion. “At this point I want to RONNAU page 9
BY FRED JETER Contributing Writer
PHOTO BY KENNY MOORE
Jerry Ronnau of Midlothian (top) uses his leverage to pin Cosby’s Ben Smith at Saturday’s Dominion District Tournament.
DOMINION DISTRICT WRESTLING TOURNAMENT
GUEST COLUMNIST
Ramblings from a father on the final lap BY SCOTT WILLARD Special to the Midlothian Exchange
I tweeted “6m in by 6:30am 40F/dark/rain/fog w/Sean – a father’s blessing! gonna miss it and U in 7 mon”, after my chilly and wet trip through the neighborhood with my newly minted 18-year-old boy, Sean, last Sunday morning. We were working the roads long before the first pot of coffee was brewed and probably before anyone would read my tweet, or care, but I did it anyway. This is a new medium for me, so I’m not sure why I felt compelled to announce it to the twitter world, but I’m finding that as I age and Sean matures, I’m becoming much more sentimental about my role in his life than I’ve been in the past. Besides, it was on my mind, so why not-everybody else does it. My world and role in his life is very different today than it was back in 2005 when we were introduced to competitive high school running with our then freshman daughter. Back then we had all the time in the world to enjoy our kids’ activities and learn the sport because graduation and college were years away. But time has caught up to me and his mom and reality has begun to set in. Hard to believe, but we will soon be empty nesters, so from here on out each and every weekend, race and run together, regardless of time and weather, is priceless. Our 40 minutes together on Sunday morning should have been miserable considering the conditions, but these are sacred moments together as the countdown begins on his remaining time at home with us. We didn’t solve all of the world’s problems that morning, but we did analyze his training; discussed his last race; bragged about the 49ers awesome win and reviewed his much anticipated recruiting trips that weekend and this upcoming weekend. These masochistic exercise routines that I do with him are soon coming to an end and as silly as it sounds, I’m going to miss them terribly. It was time well spent and he’s been a great kid who has taught me much about what it takes to be a dad; a role model and a friend. They don’t write books for where I am in life and besides, there really isn’t anything that can be done to prepare one for this ‘parenting finale’. It’s a self taught skill and a ‘learn as you go gig’ and if you’re fortunate, it’s a rewarding journey. We finished the curcuit; got back and cleaned up; arrived at the airport and put him on a plane; all before breakfast. We spent our morning crossing our fingers that he would successfully navigate the Atlanta airport on his own. Hartsfield-Jackson (Atlanta) isn’t an easy one to cut your teeth on and after a couple of phone calls we anxiously waited for his text that all was JOURNEY page 9
PHOTO BY KENNY MOORE
Cosby’s Tyler Powell makes quick work in the 285-pound weight class as he throws Clover Hill’s Josh Ward to the mats for the pin and the win.
Cosby, Midlothian dominate district BY BEN ORCUTT Contributing Writer
Grapplers from Cosby and Midlothian high schools dominated last weekend’s 2013 Dominion District Wrestling Tournament at Cosby. The Titans and the Trojans each had four tournament champions, with Cosby claiming the team title earning 251 points to Midlothian’s 161.5. Perhaps the most exciting match was Cosby’s Josh Morgan defeating Jeremy Randall of James River by a 7-6 minor decision in the 120-pound final. The match was tied 2-2 at the end of the first period, but Randall took a 6-4 lead at the end of the second stanza. Morgan mounted a comeback to go up 7-6 in the third and held on desperately for the win as the final seconds ticked away. “I was holding on for dear life,” said Morgan, a senior, on winning his first district title. “This felt amazing to come back and win it.” Randall defeated him the first time they met this season, Morgan said. “It felt amazing just to get your hand raised,” Morgan added. Morgan’s victory was special, said Cosby head coach Mike Stefanko. “He started wrestling as a freshman,” Stefanko said of Morgan. “We pulled him out of the hallways because he was so tiny and he could fit our lowest weight class and he used to get pounded and pounded and pounded, but he stuck with it. He worked hard and tonight he ended up beating a kid that had beaten him earlier in the year and the guy won his first district championship and that’s what makes it so special. It’s great to see a kid go from knowing nothing as
PHOTO BY KENNY MOORE
Ray Tighe (top) of James River forces Cosby’s Justin Lilly back to the center of the mat. Tighe would go on to the win in the 160lb match.
a 9th-grader to being a district champion as a senior.” Cosby’s other district tournament champions included Max Chisholm at 106, who pinned Brady Biller of James River at 1:59; B.J. Lay at 182, who defeated Naison Brewer of Huguenot by a 2-0 minor decision; and Tyler Powell at 285, who pinned Josh Ward of Clover Hill at 0:51. This was Cosby’s sixth district tournament title in the past seven years and the third consecutive year the Titans have claimed both the regular-season title and the tournament crown, Stefanko said. Cosby had a school record 11 wrestlers in the district tournament finals on Saturday, Stefanko added. “I’ve never had 11 through to the finals before,” he said. “The kids wrestled really well today. It was amazing. We didn’t wrestle quite as well in the finals once we got there, but the lead up to that the kids did real well.” Stefanko tied with Jeremy
Fox of Clover Hill as coach of the year. The Titans will carry 13 wrestlers to this weekend’s Central Region Tournament at Manchester High School. The top four wrestlers in each weight class from the district tournaments qualify for regionals. Although he didn’t win the district title, Caleb Carney may have been the biggest surprise for Midlothian during Saturday’s finals, where he was pinned by Jeaquan Law of Huguenot at 5:07 in the 170-pound championship. Carney admitted that being a senior and wrestling in his first season, he wasn’t thinking about making it to the finals of the district tournament. “Obviously I really wasn’t expecting it and then I just got up there,” he said. “I love wrestling, so I just did what I did and brought it.” Although he had never wrestled before, his friends encouraged him to give it a shot, Carney said. “Well, I was looking at
wrestling and my friends were talking about it and they were all wrestlers so it was like, you know what, I might as well try it and I absolutely love it.” Carney doesn’t plan to let up heading into regional completion. “Oh no,” he said. “Regionals, I have to really work hard to try and get to the top and hopefully go to states….” Carney’s accomplishment is notable, Midlothian head coach Jimmy Cox said. “It does stand out,” Cox said. “I mean, not many first-year wrestlers get the opportunity to wrestle in a finals and he did and he did great [Saturday]. His semifinal match [11-7 decision] was great. He did very well in the finals. [He] came up short there at the end, but he’s a heck of an athlete and I’m really happy for him.” Midlothian had five wrestlers in the district tournament finals, with four capturing titles and three of them winning head-to-head matches
against finalists from Cosby. “I feel very great about the team, our performance,” Cox said. “We did really well [Saturday]. A lot of them stepped up and we had four district champions today and I’m really proud of them. We’re taking seven to the regional tournament and I’m really excited about that.” The Trojans’ district tournament champions included: Brandon Hogge at 126, who defeated Kentaro Yokoyama of Cosby by technical fall – 15-0 – at 5:07; Jerry Ronnau at 138, who pinned Ben Smith of Cosby at 2:46; Trent Parker at 195, who pinned Jordan Taylor of Cosby at 2:40; and Kyle Clark at 220, who pinned Isaiah Fludd of Monacan at 2:25. Other district tournament champions include: Jake Lemacks of Monacan at 113, who defeated Cody Barton of Cosby by a technical fall – 21-5 – at 6:00; Van Dempster of DOMINION page 9
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JOURNEY from 8 well and he was at his gate…on the plane... and had arrived in his far flung destination. We chilled and hoped that he had a great experience and later that night smiled when the text came across the phone stating “I got goose bumps when we got on campus”. That was exactly what we hoped to hear and it helped reinforce that this visit was a wise choice. Sean is the youngest of our three and all have run at the D1level, but he has been different than his siblings. His early success showed us that he was an extremely disciplined and self motivated youth athlete, so lucky for us we didn’t have to prod him to do anything. He arrived in high school already with several middle school championships; AAU and USATF state and regional XC/ track championships and he was a USATF XC and NSIC track All American. This was like riding on a rocket ship and he didn’t disappoint when he won the 2010 Nike Indoor Freshman mile national championship the following year. And the best part was that at the time he had 4 more years of this left! He was always one of those kids who you pointed him in the right direction and told him to turn left on the curve and he was on auto pilot. We now find ourselves halfway through that last year of our 4 year plan and the time has blazed past us. There are times when I wish we could go back to those days where there was absolutely no pressure to perform and you could laugh about him tripping over a root or making a wrong turn on a cross country course. I have wondered at times what a more humble beginning with realistic expectations and progressions would have been like for him. He started out with a lot of hype that eventually caught up and overwhelmed all of us by smothering his confidence when he couldn’t live up to his own standards. But he has persevered and this life’s lesson will be priceless as he continues on his journey with us as his backstop. I am proud to say that many know me as ‘Sean’s dad’ and I love it! I grew up as ‘Ken’s son’ because of my father’s NFL exploits, so it’s nice to finally get out of my dad’s shadow after all of these years. Sean has been an inspiration to me and has lived the life and will leave high school with 12 college credit hours; dozens of district, region, state and metro honors; 12 varsity athletic and academic letters; individual district and region championships; district and region runner fo the year honors; 3 podium finishes at the VA state XC championship; a state team XC championship and a trip to NXN in Portland. He is wise beyond his years and absolutely knows who he is. He has been knocked down more times than he has been on a podium, yet every time he has encountered a tough spot he has found a way to pick himself up, brush himself off and come back for more. He has a huge heart and to me these are innate qualities that are as much of a gift as his foot speed and will serve him well in whatever he decides to do. He won’t leave high school with the legacy that he thought that he’d once leave with, but to me that means that there is upside at the next level. He is a battle tested and hungry warrior who has not only been to the mountain top early and tasted accomplishment, but he has also eaten humble pie in the valley. As I reflect on my 18 year journey with him, I can’t think of a better and more rewarding experience than it has been to be Sean’s dad. I don’t care if he never wins another race-it has been a truly wonderful ride and we have been blessed to be a part of his life and are excited about his future and creating more memories with him. Scott Willard is the father of Midlothian High School cross country runner and Richmond TimesDispatch 2012 Runner of the Year Sean Willard.
DOMINION from 8 Manchester at 132, who pinned David Osorio of James River at 1:26; Sean Randell-Thompson of LC. Bird at 145, who pinned Ellis Cooksey of Cosby at 2:40; Jordan Miles of Clover Hill at 152 who defeated Nick Powis of Cosby by a major decision, 8-0; and Ray Tighe of James River at 160, who defeated Justin Lilly of Cosby by a minor decision, 8-6. The remaining team standings with point totals from third to 8thplace were: James River, 122; Manchester, 109; L.C. Bird, 92; Huguenot, 82; Clover Hill, 77; and Monacan, 62.5. Above: Manchester’s Van Dempster and David Osorio of James River battle hard in the 132-pound match. At Left: Cosby’s Kentaro Yokoyhama struggles to get free from Midlothian’s Brandon Hogge. PHOTOS BY KENNY MOORE
RONNAU from 8 written history What fans aren’t likely to discover on paper or computer screen is all the buckets of sweat and personal deprival that went into this feel-good story. “Jerry works non-stop,” says coach Jimmy Cox, excited at the opportunity to speak of his squad captain. “He never took off any time from the end of last season to the start of this one.” Gathering his thoughts, Cox added: “Jerry’s a student of the game … he’s fearless … he’s the total package. MHS coaches need no prodding to heap praise on “Ryno.” “Jerry may not be the strongest or the fastest,” says assistant Scott Jenkins. “He just out-works everyone … the third period is his.” If Ronnau isn’t wrestling, or training to wrestle, he’s apt to have his head in a book. He’s a member of National Honor Society, the Student Council and even speaks a passable German as a fifth-year foreign language student. Here’s how Ronnau explains how he’s compiled a 144-34 career record (before Districts), including 36-4 mark this season in the 138-pound weight class. “I’m pretty aggressive,” he said. “I try and stay on an opponent until they wear out …
then I keep going.” One record Ronnau doesn’t hold is pins. That may be more by design than lack of ability. “I really don’t like pins,” he said. “I more enjoy the cardio of going the full six minutes … if the pins happen, they happen.” Still, he had 77 career pins, including 22 this winter, going into Regionals. Midlothian’s career pin-leader is Mark Wysong (84). Ronnau’s success was a lifetime (or better, two lifetimes) in the making. Father Bub was a grappler at Trinity High in Louisville and continued to wrestle as adult in AAU ranks. Bub Ronnau also became a coach for the North Chesterfield Youth program that Jerry and older brother William cut their teeth on on. William Ronnau (MHS Class of ’12) won 103 matches for MHS and likely would have added more if not for an asthmatic condition. Jerry Ronnau now trains off season with Predator in Chester. The more grizzly the mat foe, the better he likes it. “Jerry is always willing to fight up, face wrestlers in higher weight classes,” said Cox. “He’s not afraid of anyone.” That’s a good thing, too, since two of Virginia’s premier 138’s lurk nearby. That
would be Neil Richards of Matoaca and Hanover’s Corbin Allen. Richards and Allen both scored paeperthin victories over Ronnau this season. The “Ryno” cries for a “rematch.” “I think I can beat them both,” he said. The “big three” of Ronnau, Richards and Allen also figure to tangle at States Feb. 1516 in Chesapeake. Despite a storied program, Midlothian has never had a state champ. If Ronnau is able to get the Trojans off the schnide, it will be take a crowning performance that caps years of sacrifice. Except perhaps for heavyweights, prep wrestling can be like an all-encompassing, full-time job. Pizza? Forget it. Greasy cheeseburgers? Don’t even think about it. Asked about what he eats for lunch, Ronnau says “we have these wraps for lunch … I eat half of that, with some water.” With a solid set of shoulders, the 5-foot8 athlete might scale 160 or so if he played another sport. Father Bub says Jerry can get a bit ornery from time to time, with stomach growling. “Jerry can get pretty grumpy,” said Bub. “He says he doesn’t but he does.” One thing for sure … if devouring wrestling foes carried calories, he’d be the biggest kid on campus.
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Newport News Jefferson Commons (757) 877-3463
Short Pump Shoppes at Westgate (804) 364-6314
Sign up at your local Medifast Weight Control Center by March 31, 2013, and we’ll take $149 off * your program fees.
Virginia Beach Marketplace at Hilltop (757) 437-0163
Williamsburg Marketplace Shoppes (757) 564-4535
You’ll get great-tasting meals, a simple plan that’s easy to follow, and the personalized support you need for lasting health.
Make an appointment today at
Here for You Before, During, and Beyond SM
MedifastCenters.com
Midlothian 3740 Winterfield Road 419-4160 Flat Rock 2320 Anderson Highway 598-6839 24 Locations in Virginia, Maryland and Georgia Call 1-800-443-5524 for the location nearest you.
EssexBank.com *Limit one per customer. Offer limited to new customers only. Offer applies to a full purchase program at participating Centers only. Offer expires 03/31/13. Consult your health care provider before beginning a weight–loss program.
Offer of credit is subject to credit approval. Property and flood insurance may be required. Certain limitations apply. Please see an Essex Bank representative for details.